Arson in Chania: detainees spoke about the order of the former mayor

The investigation into the high-profile arson of a commercial building continues in Chaniaorganized, according to investigators, on the order of a 78-year-old man, a native of Russia of Greek origin, who previously held municipal positions and was involved in business.

Since the morning, three young men accused of participating in the crime have been in front of the prosecutor and the investigator. One of the detainees refused to testify to the police, saying that he would explain himself only in court. The second, according to law enforcement agencies, has already admitted the charges.

Arson in Chania: detainees spoke about the order of the former mayor pic.twitter.com/IjMVs5Ap2N

— Athens News (@russianathens) February 11, 2026

How the attack was organized

One of the accused, a 21-year-old man, gave detailed testimony:

“I admit the charges. On Thursday, January 15, 2026, we met the 24-year-old co-defendant at a mobile phone store in Thessaloniki owned by a Pakistani man. There we were informed that we had to go to Chania and set fire to one store.

We were given 500 euros for tickets and accommodation, as well as a phone with a Pakistani SIM card. In Chania, two men picked us up from the hotel and showed us the facility. One of them knew the area and gave instructions.

On January 19 we went to the place. I was the driver. Two left and then returned. Later we received another 850 euros through a courier box. After returning to Thessaloniki, I was paid 350 euros.”

Position of the third accused

The third person involved in the case, who, according to investigators, provided the perpetrators with gasoline, claims that the following was used:

“I knew these people superficially. We met back in 2023. In January we met by chance in Chania. I just gave them a ride. He allegedly took the gas cans for work.”

The role of the local intermediary

The father of one of the accused stated:

“My son didn’t know anything. He’s worked all his life and has never broken the law.”

However, police believe that he played a key role. As a permanent resident of Chania, he could purchase fuel and arrange logistics without suspicion. Without his participation, the implementation of the plan would have been impossible.

Video of arson

Video footage from surveillance cameras shows how at 03:19 at night the attackers approached the building with canisters. They were wearing masks, gloves and protective helmets.

At 04:25 am the building is illuminated by flashes of fire and explosions. After this, the attackers escape. One of them tries to put out his hand that caught fire.

The burn that gave away the criminal

A photograph of a burn on his hand, taken the day after the arson, was found on the mobile phone of one of the accused.

The cameras also recorded a white car in which the attackers returned to the hotel.

The following messages were recorded in the correspondence between participants:

“It’s okay, brother.”
“Well done, I love you.”

After this, the accused actively searched for news about the arson on the Internet, which was also recorded by the investigation.

Who, according to investigators, gave the order

According to the police, the mastermind of the crime was a 78-year-old man, a native of Russia of Greek origin, who previously held municipal positions and owned a business.

The motive became financial disagreements with ex-partner. The victim of the arson was the owner of a nearby store, who had nothing to do with the conflict.

In the past, the suspect received various awards for his social and work activities. He is currently accused of:

– participation in a criminal organization,
– incitement to extortion,
– arson,
– violation of the law on domestic violence.

Threats to ex-partner

After the arson, the suspect’s former companion received messages threatening more attacks. Later she was informed that her friends could also be harmed.

According to investigators, the man demanded that she transfer two properties to him in Chania. To put pressure on him, he allegedly reached out to criminal circles in Thessaloniki associated with the Russian-speaking criminal environment.

Bottom line

The investigation believes that this is a carefully organized criminal scheme involving intermediaries, executors and the customer.

Final conclusions will be made after the trial is completed.

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